Bears vs. Vikings Expert Pick
No bye weeks remain in the season, so the NFL is getting creative with the scheduling. They will have two games on Monday night, but only this week. They have two Saturday games in week 16 and two on Christmas in week 17. The Bears will travel to Minnesota, which starts at 8 p.m. EST, and the Raiders will host the Falcons at 8:30. The first game will be aired on ABC, and the second will be on ESPN. Read Bears vs. Vikings expert pick.
Bears vs. Vikings Preview
Chicago Bears
The Bears have lost seven consecutive games, and their four wins have come against teams with a combined record of 16-36. Running backs D’Andre Swift (groin) and Roschon Johnson (concussion) did not practice Thursday. Center Ryan Bates (concussion) also missed practice on Thursday.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have won six in a row after dropping two consecutive games in weeks seven and eight following their bye week. They have a chance to win the division, sitting one game back of the Lions, but have almost locked up the top wild card spot with a two-game lead on the Packers. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, and running back Aaron Jones (back) logged a limited practice.
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Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings Head-To-Head
The first game between these teams went overtime, but the Vikings came up big after blowing a 24-10 lead entering the fourth quarter. The Bears held Justin Jefferson in check, holding him to two receptions for 27 yards. Jordan Addison had eight receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown, while Hockenson had seven catches for 114 yards. Jefferson should play better after a two-touchdown game, while Addison had three last week. They each recorded over 130 receiving yards.
The Bears have struggled recently, only scoring 15.1 points per game during their losing streak. I would not expect another comeback from them, especially if D’Andre Swift is unavailable. Teams have been able to contain their ground attack this season. They rank 23rd with 105.8 rushing yards per game. Williams will have to put his team on his back and have an excellent game to beat the Vikings.
Prediction
Over/Under
I am less confident in predicting the total in the second game. The Vikings scored 42 points themselves last week, but I am going with the under in this game. Under 43.5
Spread
The Vikings are the better team in all facets of the game, but they failed to cover as a 3.5-point favorite in Chicago. They should perform better at home and win by more than a touchdown. Vikings -6.5
Player Prop
T.J. Hockenson produced well in their last matchup and should have a good game this week. The Bears allow the sixth-most receiving yards (62.62) per game to tight ends. His targets have been all over the place week-to-week, but he should get a lot in this matchup. T.J. Hockenson Over 39.5 Receiving Yards -115
